This applies to both Little Big Planet and Little Big Planet 2)
In 2008, Media Molecule created a whole planet for gamers to inhabit, the Little Big Planet. This ambitious project has since become a pioneer in amateur game designing. Little Big Planet is a platforming game that thrives on user-generated content. The latter feature is what defines LBP and makes it unique. LBP can be described by its simple motto: "Play, Create, Share." (I will focus on the more pertinent Creating and Sharing aspect of LBP)
Create The core of Little Big Planet is a set of tools for game design. Upon mastering the elementary features of the game through original levels, LBP allows the player to design levels of their own. Here, the designer have autonomy in virtually every aspect of the level. Content creation encompass everything from the stage architecture, to enemy placement, to background music (BGM). The designer can utilize basic shapes and more specific and functional objects to build a stage. On the aesthetics level, the designer can fine tune the look and feel of a level with stickers and decorations. However, the complexity of a stage are limited by a meter. This meter serves as a little structure to an otherwise free platform for game design. In addition to creating levels, players can also create and customize their own avatar, or Sackboy/Sackgirls. Here, an extensive collection of accessories and clothing are available for the player to translate their personality into the game world.
Share Upon completion, designers have the option of uploading their stages to the LBP community for play and feedback. Sharing is done through the Playstation Network (PSN), which also allows the level designer to release patches and revision of an already published stage. Then, other players can play and rate the stages published. As of the release of Little Big Planet 2, LPB [1] boasts over three million levels.
Little Big Planet encompasses a trend towards user-generated content gaming. Today, gamers are increasingly connected, with each themselves and with the developer through new means of communication. Little Big Planet is a game that channels creativity through those avenues. It demands more from the player, but not less from the developer. For its mass appeal, LBP is also able to cultivate game designing talents, a niche. For many "game designers," it takes a copy of LBP, passion for their work, and many hours to actually design a game.
Overview
This applies to both Little Big Planet and Little Big Planet 2)In 2008, Media Molecule created a whole planet for gamers to inhabit, the Little Big Planet. This ambitious project has since become a pioneer in amateur game designing. Little Big Planet is a platforming game that thrives on user-generated content. The latter feature is what defines LBP and makes it unique. LBP can be described by its simple motto: "Play, Create, Share." (I will focus on the more pertinent Creating and Sharing aspect of LBP)
Create
The core of Little Big Planet is a set of tools for game design. Upon mastering the elementary features of the game through original levels, LBP allows the player to design levels of their own. Here, the designer have autonomy in virtually every aspect of the level. Content creation encompass everything from the stage architecture, to enemy placement, to background music (BGM). The designer can utilize basic shapes and more specific and functional objects to build a stage. On the aesthetics level, the designer can fine tune the look and feel of a level with stickers and decorations. However, the complexity of a stage are limited by a meter. This meter serves as a little structure to an otherwise free platform for game design.
In addition to creating levels, players can also create and customize their own avatar, or Sackboy/Sackgirls. Here, an extensive collection of accessories and clothing are available for the player to translate their personality into the game world.
Share
Upon completion, designers have the option of uploading their stages to the LBP community for play and feedback. Sharing is done through the Playstation Network (PSN), which also allows the level designer to release patches and revision of an already published stage. Then, other players can play and rate the stages published. As of the release of Little Big Planet 2, LPB [1] boasts over three million levels.
Little Big Planet encompasses a trend towards user-generated content gaming. Today, gamers are increasingly connected, with each themselves and with the developer through new means of communication. Little Big Planet is a game that channels creativity through those avenues. It demands more from the player, but not less from the developer. For its mass appeal, LBP is also able to cultivate game designing talents, a niche. For many "game designers," it takes a copy of LBP, passion for their work, and many hours to actually design a game.
Little Big Planet Official Site
A Starting Guide
A Community of Game Designer
History
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Opinion
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Future Trends?
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